By: Colleen Zunk, P.L.A.Y. Project Home Consultant & Supervisor
[Below are some guidelines for using electronic devices in play, put together by one of our supervisors. We hope you find them helpful!]
Comfort Zone Definition
When the child ‘tunes you out’ and appears to be in his ‘own world.’
When a child’s comfort zone is evident, it is a sign that the child may be attempting to self-regulate and is therefore not available for shared attention or engagement. This may be evidenced when the child is using an electronic device, favorite toy, or object and the child, turns his back towards you, demonstrates negative affect (display of emotion), or objects using gestures or words.
Guidelines for introduction and use of electronics such as phones, IPads, gaming systems, TV/DVD:
- Allow use for short periods of time (15- 30 mins 2 to 3 x’s per day)
- Attach use to an existing routine. For example: After breakfast for 15 mins
- Draw a picture of the preferred device on a paper clock next to the time that the child is permitted to use the device
- If possible, program the device to turn off when the playing time has expired or use a visual or auditory timer. Let the child know when time is almost up. Communicate what he/she is going to do next. “First IPad, then jumping” (It helps to make the next thing very desirable). Also, count down the seconds or minutes to the end of ‘electronic time’
- Make the device unavailable (hide it well!) during times not designated for playing with it
- Play sessions should be device-free: If you are playing 20-30 hours per week with your child, time with electronics does NOT count
- Remember that electronics are preferred because they are predictable, visually stimulating, and often repetitive. Electronics alone do not support children in negotiating a relationship with another person
- If attempting to join the child during electronic time, try ‘being with’ him or use some of the other techniques listed below:
Techniques for “Being With” a Child and Creating Engagement When Using Electronics
- Narrate what the child is doing or what is happening on the screen
- Use ‘playful obstruction’ to ‘interrupt’ the child and gain his/her attention
- Turn taking ~ have the child give you or a sibling a turn
- Exaggerate expressions, cheer the child on if it is an interactive game. If it is a favorite DVD model imitation of what the characters are doing
- Add a step and have the child give you a ‘high five’ or ‘knuckles’ each time they accomplish something in the game or imitate playfully what is happening, etc
- Depending on the child’s functional developmental level, talk all about what is happening, identify emotions of characters
- Use Preview/Review before and after the electronic use to build communication around what they are going to do and what they have done. Example: “After lunch we will play Mario, the one where he _______,” “Tell Daddy what game you played.”